I learned my most valuable lesson today: listen.
Overall, it was a bit of a crazed day. My precious neighbor, Hunter, was very sick and needed to be brought to the emergency. While I worked my little internet-based customer service job, I took care of his two little brothers, my daughter, and a neighborhood friend. It definitely tested my patience. I got a B.
I drank a romaine-cucumber-honeydew melon juice. It was super delicious, and FILLING. It's so odd, but drinking these juices make me feel so satisfied.
Generally, I like to drink my last juice around 4 in the evening so I empty my system of the fluids and get a solid night's rest. I just didn't feel like drinking it, though. I was still satisfied from my previous juice. Unfortunately, I didn't listen. I forced it.
I made a spinach-cucumber-apple juice. It was good and yummy, but I could feel that it just wasn't right. Soon enough, I felt nauseous. My husband came home shortly after, and he watched the kids so I could excuse myself for an enema.
(I swear enemas are the gift of God. More on this later.)
After I finished my enema, I instantly felt refreshed and centered. I'm still not sure why I forced that second juice. I am in the process of fasting; I should always listen to my body's guidance.
Lesson learned.
Showing posts with label juice fast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label juice fast. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Chewin' my nails.
..well, not really. I'm not a nail biter. But I feel like chewing them into little agitated stubs. My thoughts are racing and it would be so nice to focus on something else, if just for two minutes.
Last night, to be honest, was pretty fucking terrible. I do not swear often, but when I do, it's with intention. I really, really intend all over that 'fuck.' I snapped at my husband for being ten minutes 'late' for bed. I couldn't settle into my nighttime relaxation routine.
I thought to myself, "Self. Just go to friggin' sleep."
"Fine."
So, I attempted sleep but it escaped me like a bratty little child. My thoughts sped around, flitting from one stressful topic to the other. Could I keep up this juice thing? Am I being stupid? God. This is definitely stupid. Am I even going to lose weight? Will I gain all the weight back after I start eating solids? I hear all the time that people gain a few pounds back after they stop juicing. Well, if I only lose a few pounds, will I gain those back and all this crap will be for nothing? I'm going to be fat forever. Some people were just supposed to be fat, and I'm one of them.
Nice loop, huh? I told myself this all night. When I finally fell asleep, I had a dream that I traveled to a hotel to see my geeky friends. I went up in an elevator, but the whole time I was freaking out, stressed, panicked, and looking in the mirrored walls and saying how fat I was and I didn't want to go because it was too embarrassing. But, when I entered the room with my friends, they all applauded and cheered that I had come!
So, I'm a big believer in dream symbolism. I have a few books and website I rely on for translation, and working through the emotions and symbols in this dream just blew me away. In fact, I laughed.
Traveling signifies moving towards your life goals.
A hotel signifies a new state of mind or a shift in consciousness.
Moving up in an elevator signifies rising to a higher state of conscious.
WOW.
My emotions throughout the entire dream were very anxious, but the symbolism is clear: change is happening.
I used to medicate my anxiety with Lexapro, but I have been pharmaceutical free since November '08. Episodes like last night might have sent me back to the doctor's office, begging for a new prescription. I am humbled by my subconscious' nudging that this CHANGE IS HAPPENING and I will reach the end; it will be joyous.
I have read in many blogs that juicing will invoke a wild ride of emotions. I knew to expect this, but was still surprised at the intensity. I am grateful for my new focus: change. is. happening.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Independence (from solids) Day!
So, day two.
Let me be really honest: I am so shocked I made it this far. (Again with my preconceptions! Whee!)
Last night, I somehow managed to fight off temptation and ignore the tantalizing wafts of french fries tickling my nose. I had fun at the car races, but mostly because my family had fun. I am not totally digging the whole watching cars go in a circle thing. But hey, it's all about being with your peeps.
This morning, I woke up bright and early at 6 AM. I got up, checked my Facebook, checked my email, and went right back to bed. I fully blame my husband and his amazing snuggleableness. I sincerely believe that man would sleep 18 hours of the day.
We lounged in bed until a bit after 8 when the children finally started rousing after their big night. I made watermelon-nectarine-strawberry juice, which earned the HOLY MACKEREL stamp of approval. Then, I went shopping.
(WARNING: THIS MAY BE KINDA GROSS.)
At Trader Joe's, I realized I needed a bathroom now. No, not in a bit. Now. What came out of my behind was pretty foul smelling, although watery. I courtesy flushed, don't worry.
I came home, did a few chores, then took my bath while I enjoyed a romaine-red leaf lettuce-lime juice. This was good. I find greens to be very centering. Where I chug-a-lug my fruit juices, I sip my green juices slowly.
Then, it was time. (Cue ominous music.) We got ready to go my Aunt's house for a barbeque. I made plum-nectarine-watermelon juice, brought my water, grabbed the pies (not for me!) and joined the fun of the Fourth. The company was fantastic and I got to enjoy the foods through my husband, who dutifully described each to me.
My mood was pretty stable today but, around seven, I became very tired and lethargic. This could have everything to do with my lack of sleep the night before, but it is worth noting.
Around 9, I was still tired and getting a bit of a headache. I rubbed peppermint oil on my hands and inhaled while my husband rubbed my shoulders, and the headache subsided. I have a history of migraines, so I need to nip it in the bud quickly!
It's 10, and I'm feeling very tired but PROUD. Two days! That is so amazing!
Let me be really honest: I am so shocked I made it this far. (Again with my preconceptions! Whee!)
Last night, I somehow managed to fight off temptation and ignore the tantalizing wafts of french fries tickling my nose. I had fun at the car races, but mostly because my family had fun. I am not totally digging the whole watching cars go in a circle thing. But hey, it's all about being with your peeps.
This morning, I woke up bright and early at 6 AM. I got up, checked my Facebook, checked my email, and went right back to bed. I fully blame my husband and his amazing snuggleableness. I sincerely believe that man would sleep 18 hours of the day.
We lounged in bed until a bit after 8 when the children finally started rousing after their big night. I made watermelon-nectarine-strawberry juice, which earned the HOLY MACKEREL stamp of approval. Then, I went shopping.
(WARNING: THIS MAY BE KINDA GROSS.)
At Trader Joe's, I realized I needed a bathroom now. No, not in a bit. Now. What came out of my behind was pretty foul smelling, although watery. I courtesy flushed, don't worry.
I came home, did a few chores, then took my bath while I enjoyed a romaine-red leaf lettuce-lime juice. This was good. I find greens to be very centering. Where I chug-a-lug my fruit juices, I sip my green juices slowly.
Then, it was time. (Cue ominous music.) We got ready to go my Aunt's house for a barbeque. I made plum-nectarine-watermelon juice, brought my water, grabbed the pies (not for me!) and joined the fun of the Fourth. The company was fantastic and I got to enjoy the foods through my husband, who dutifully described each to me.
My mood was pretty stable today but, around seven, I became very tired and lethargic. This could have everything to do with my lack of sleep the night before, but it is worth noting.
Around 9, I was still tired and getting a bit of a headache. I rubbed peppermint oil on my hands and inhaled while my husband rubbed my shoulders, and the headache subsided. I have a history of migraines, so I need to nip it in the bud quickly!
It's 10, and I'm feeling very tired but PROUD. Two days! That is so amazing!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Juicing - Take Two!
So, today is my first official day of juicing. Whee!
This morning, I had a cucumber-watermelon-spinach juice. This, too, was worthy of a HOLY MACKEREL! Very cool and refreshing.
It's been a very low key day so far, but we're going to the races tonight. I've never been to a race before, so it's all very exciting! My extended family is big into the whole cars-go-zoom-zoom scene, but I was never introduced until I was nearly 30. I went to Monster Trucks last year, which was my first experience with a race-type thingie. I thought I'd hate it, but shock of all shocks - I really enjoyed myself! So, huzzah for trying new things!
My family is going to be eating fried dough and drinking soda, most likely. You know what? That's totally cool. I mean, I wish they wouldn't, but them's the breaks of living with a family that hasn't embraced the same changes as you. When I cook, I prepare vegan meals for them. When we go out, I let them choose as they please. I get super proud when Ester chooses a vegetable over french fries to go with her meal.
It's not about forcing change, it's about inspiring change.
Maybe someday she'll ask for a green juice instead of a Sprite!
Speaking of green juice, today I made my first hardcore green juice: spinach-red leaf lettuce-lime. When I sipped it, immediately I was stunned at the taste. It wasn't bad, but the lime was POWERFUL.
Fruits and vegetables are so intense!
I think this is one of the first lessons I learned about fruits and vegetables when I started my raw journey. When left it its natural state, these seemingly innocent plants will literally kick you in the face.
A whole lime seems like a pretty chill little citrus fruit, but WOW. At first I thought maybe I didn't like it, but as I kept drinking, I realized the lime made the juice taste ALIVE! Now I love it!
I'm pretty much out of greens and only have a few fruits left, so I will need to go shopping tomorrow. I will be attending a cook out, which should be interesting while I juice. At first, I wasn't going to go, but I absolutely love my family and would be sad without their company. So, I'll let my freedom from solids ring and enjoy their glow!
This morning, I had a cucumber-watermelon-spinach juice. This, too, was worthy of a HOLY MACKEREL! Very cool and refreshing.
It's been a very low key day so far, but we're going to the races tonight. I've never been to a race before, so it's all very exciting! My extended family is big into the whole cars-go-zoom-zoom scene, but I was never introduced until I was nearly 30. I went to Monster Trucks last year, which was my first experience with a race-type thingie. I thought I'd hate it, but shock of all shocks - I really enjoyed myself! So, huzzah for trying new things!
My family is going to be eating fried dough and drinking soda, most likely. You know what? That's totally cool. I mean, I wish they wouldn't, but them's the breaks of living with a family that hasn't embraced the same changes as you. When I cook, I prepare vegan meals for them. When we go out, I let them choose as they please. I get super proud when Ester chooses a vegetable over french fries to go with her meal.
It's not about forcing change, it's about inspiring change.
Maybe someday she'll ask for a green juice instead of a Sprite!
Speaking of green juice, today I made my first hardcore green juice: spinach-red leaf lettuce-lime. When I sipped it, immediately I was stunned at the taste. It wasn't bad, but the lime was POWERFUL.
Fruits and vegetables are so intense!
I think this is one of the first lessons I learned about fruits and vegetables when I started my raw journey. When left it its natural state, these seemingly innocent plants will literally kick you in the face.
A whole lime seems like a pretty chill little citrus fruit, but WOW. At first I thought maybe I didn't like it, but as I kept drinking, I realized the lime made the juice taste ALIVE! Now I love it!
I'm pretty much out of greens and only have a few fruits left, so I will need to go shopping tomorrow. I will be attending a cook out, which should be interesting while I juice. At first, I wasn't going to go, but I absolutely love my family and would be sad without their company. So, I'll let my freedom from solids ring and enjoy their glow!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The prettiest chili I ever did see.
You get what you ask for, don't ya know?
Intentions are so powerful.
Yesterday, I was hyperanxious about today. How silly, because today wasn't here yet! However, I was so lost in what was GOING to happen that it totally mussed up what WAS happening: I didn't sleep a wink last night.
So, of course, I was tired.
I got up nice and early and made my first juice: cucumber-carrot-parsley-apple. I put the whole bunch of parsley in, and wow - parsley is strong! It also tends to glop up in carrot-apple juice, according to a response I received on GI2MR. I am not a fan of the glop. It's a little awkward. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the stronger tasting greens, so this could be influencing my glop dislike.
Maybe.
I asked my child(ren - my godson is visiting for a week and a half!) to stay in their rooms and play while I drank my juice. This was a bit of respite in my storm of craziness. As a mother, it is hard to admit that we need space from our children, but it is so necessary.
I had an appointment at 9. A 'walk through' by the Department of Children and Families, so Ester's biological brother, José, can come live with us. I assumed it'd be, you know, a walk through - hi, this is my kitchen, this is my hallway, we pee here, José will be sleeping here.
Oh, no no. I set out intentions that today would be the worst day ever, remember?
The very nice worker proceeded to ask me the nitty gritties about the most difficult times of my life. I've had my share of fun traumas, yo. This was NOT fun. I started crying - one part nervousness, two parts bad memories. The very nice worker was very kind, but still.
We had another home visit from a different agency. That went well, but gosh, my breath was still stinky!
I made another juice - watermelon, honeydew melon, and cucumber - HOLY MACKEREL! (My godson says I should call it Holy Mackerel because I shouted it out after the first sip. It's that good.) That really picked up my spirits.
I took Ester to her physical. It poured rain on us. She kicked the doctor. Huzzah!
Savannah (One) and Isabelle (One Month) arrived two hours before they were supposed to, and I didn't have time to make my last juice.
Can I just say: LOLOLOLOLOL!
I realized that there is no way that I am going to be able to make juice tomorrow with the four children. So, I ate tonight: the prettiest vegan chili I ever did see.
I felt like a failure, but I immediately regrouped: hey! wasn't this the same stinkin' thinkin' that told the universe I wanted to have a miserable day?
It sure was!
Instead, I am going to embrace this: I juiced ALL day today, aside from my dinner. I really enjoyed my juices and, to be honest, I didn't feel hungry at all. I know that I am going to start juicing again on Friday and there's NOTHING to be worried about. Everything I was concerned about, such as being hungry and feeling completely sapped of energy, is completely dealable.
This is not a failure. It was a test. If this had been a real failure, it would have been immediately followed by a crumpled mess of boo-hoo's.
Intentions are so powerful.
Yesterday, I was hyperanxious about today. How silly, because today wasn't here yet! However, I was so lost in what was GOING to happen that it totally mussed up what WAS happening: I didn't sleep a wink last night.
So, of course, I was tired.
I got up nice and early and made my first juice: cucumber-carrot-parsley-apple. I put the whole bunch of parsley in, and wow - parsley is strong! It also tends to glop up in carrot-apple juice, according to a response I received on GI2MR. I am not a fan of the glop. It's a little awkward. Admittedly, I am not a fan of the stronger tasting greens, so this could be influencing my glop dislike.
Maybe.
I asked my child(ren - my godson is visiting for a week and a half!) to stay in their rooms and play while I drank my juice. This was a bit of respite in my storm of craziness. As a mother, it is hard to admit that we need space from our children, but it is so necessary.
I had an appointment at 9. A 'walk through' by the Department of Children and Families, so Ester's biological brother, José, can come live with us. I assumed it'd be, you know, a walk through - hi, this is my kitchen, this is my hallway, we pee here, José will be sleeping here.
Oh, no no. I set out intentions that today would be the worst day ever, remember?
The very nice worker proceeded to ask me the nitty gritties about the most difficult times of my life. I've had my share of fun traumas, yo. This was NOT fun. I started crying - one part nervousness, two parts bad memories. The very nice worker was very kind, but still.
We had another home visit from a different agency. That went well, but gosh, my breath was still stinky!
I made another juice - watermelon, honeydew melon, and cucumber - HOLY MACKEREL! (My godson says I should call it Holy Mackerel because I shouted it out after the first sip. It's that good.) That really picked up my spirits.
I took Ester to her physical. It poured rain on us. She kicked the doctor. Huzzah!
Savannah (One) and Isabelle (One Month) arrived two hours before they were supposed to, and I didn't have time to make my last juice.
Can I just say: LOLOLOLOLOL!
I realized that there is no way that I am going to be able to make juice tomorrow with the four children. So, I ate tonight: the prettiest vegan chili I ever did see.
I felt like a failure, but I immediately regrouped: hey! wasn't this the same stinkin' thinkin' that told the universe I wanted to have a miserable day?
It sure was!
Instead, I am going to embrace this: I juiced ALL day today, aside from my dinner. I really enjoyed my juices and, to be honest, I didn't feel hungry at all. I know that I am going to start juicing again on Friday and there's NOTHING to be worried about. Everything I was concerned about, such as being hungry and feeling completely sapped of energy, is completely dealable.
This is not a failure. It was a test. If this had been a real failure, it would have been immediately followed by a crumpled mess of boo-hoo's.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Juicing Eve
It was the eve before juicing
And all through the fridge
Not a solid was stirring..
Er. Nevermind, I'm not that talented to cleverly rewrite a classic.
So, I picked the first of the month to start my juice feast. Yay! I'll admit, I'm a little anxious. I probably picked the WORST day to do it. I have three appointments tomorrow, including a walk-through by the Department of Children and Families so José can come live with us..
PLUS, my godson is staying with us for two weeks...
PLUS, I have a one year old and a one month old coming to stay the night tomorrow.
Maybe it's the best day? I'll be so busy, it's PERFECT! I won't need to eat, just grab some juice and go! Yay, perspective. Phew. I needed that.
I had a 'last meal' tonight of vegetable fajitas. It wasn't raw, but it was vegan and super nummy. I enjoyed my time with my family! One of the things I will be focusing on over the next ten days is to find more ways to spend quality time with my family without the presence of food. Supper time is a HUGE deal for us; we enjoy sitting at the table sharing, laughing, and enjoying each other. I don't know that I will want to sit with them while they are eating supper, even though I will enjoy preparing it for them.
We'll see.
Anyways, wish me luck!
<3
And all through the fridge
Not a solid was stirring..
Er. Nevermind, I'm not that talented to cleverly rewrite a classic.
So, I picked the first of the month to start my juice feast. Yay! I'll admit, I'm a little anxious. I probably picked the WORST day to do it. I have three appointments tomorrow, including a walk-through by the Department of Children and Families so José can come live with us..
PLUS, my godson is staying with us for two weeks...
PLUS, I have a one year old and a one month old coming to stay the night tomorrow.
Maybe it's the best day? I'll be so busy, it's PERFECT! I won't need to eat, just grab some juice and go! Yay, perspective. Phew. I needed that.
I had a 'last meal' tonight of vegetable fajitas. It wasn't raw, but it was vegan and super nummy. I enjoyed my time with my family! One of the things I will be focusing on over the next ten days is to find more ways to spend quality time with my family without the presence of food. Supper time is a HUGE deal for us; we enjoy sitting at the table sharing, laughing, and enjoying each other. I don't know that I will want to sit with them while they are eating supper, even though I will enjoy preparing it for them.
We'll see.
Anyways, wish me luck!
<3
Friday, June 26, 2009
Juicing Update!
I.
GOT.
MY.
JUICER.
Wooooooooo! (Yes, I'm a woo girl.) My precious baby is a Super Angel Juicer. There are many advantages of the SAJ. The two main ones that inspired me to save my pennies were the easy cleanup of the twin stainless steel gears and the enzyme-protecting low rpm's. This juicer costs 800-900ish dollars: it is not inexpensive, but my health is worth it.
Luckily, I have been saving since first being introduced to the idea of juicing. Also, I've been watching Ebay and Craig's Lists for a deal. Most of the 'deals' I saw were around 100 dollars off a used juicer; well, that is cheaper, but I would just buy a new one with the warranty rather than save an extra 100 dollars.
Then, it happend! (Cue the angelic choir.)
On We Like It Raw, I noticed an advertisement for an Angel Juicer. It was being sold for $520. Best of all, the young lady selling the juicer lived in NYC! I immediately emailed her, and she graciously returned my email. I decided to pick up the juicer to cut down on shipping costs and also sneak in a visit to a new raw food restaurant in Brooklyn, Rockin' Raw.
We had to change our original pick up date, but it ended up being perfect. We were able to find a sitter for Ester and head out to Brooklyn the day before my birthday. Since that beautiful day, we have been JUICY.
I started out with simple juices. Mmm, honeydew melon.
I started getting fancy. Mmm, watermelon and ginger.
I started getting fancier still! Celery, cucumber, and watermelon. OMG GOOD.
Today, my husband and I are enjoying celery-cucumber-honeydew-carrot. I cannot get Jeremy to drink a green smoothie for the life of me, but he loveloveloves fresh juice. This week, I am going to purchase more greens and start experimenting with green juice. I plan to start my juice feastfast on July 1.
It will last 10 days. Because, yanno, I have ten fingers and ten toes. (Thanks, Anthony!)
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!
<3
GOT.
MY.
JUICER.
Wooooooooo! (Yes, I'm a woo girl.) My precious baby is a Super Angel Juicer. There are many advantages of the SAJ. The two main ones that inspired me to save my pennies were the easy cleanup of the twin stainless steel gears and the enzyme-protecting low rpm's. This juicer costs 800-900ish dollars: it is not inexpensive, but my health is worth it.
Luckily, I have been saving since first being introduced to the idea of juicing. Also, I've been watching Ebay and Craig's Lists for a deal. Most of the 'deals' I saw were around 100 dollars off a used juicer; well, that is cheaper, but I would just buy a new one with the warranty rather than save an extra 100 dollars.
Then, it happend! (Cue the angelic choir.)
On We Like It Raw, I noticed an advertisement for an Angel Juicer. It was being sold for $520. Best of all, the young lady selling the juicer lived in NYC! I immediately emailed her, and she graciously returned my email. I decided to pick up the juicer to cut down on shipping costs and also sneak in a visit to a new raw food restaurant in Brooklyn, Rockin' Raw.
We had to change our original pick up date, but it ended up being perfect. We were able to find a sitter for Ester and head out to Brooklyn the day before my birthday. Since that beautiful day, we have been JUICY.
I started out with simple juices. Mmm, honeydew melon.
I started getting fancy. Mmm, watermelon and ginger.
I started getting fancier still! Celery, cucumber, and watermelon. OMG GOOD.
Today, my husband and I are enjoying celery-cucumber-honeydew-carrot. I cannot get Jeremy to drink a green smoothie for the life of me, but he loveloveloves fresh juice. This week, I am going to purchase more greens and start experimenting with green juice. I plan to start my juice feastfast on July 1.
It will last 10 days. Because, yanno, I have ten fingers and ten toes. (Thanks, Anthony!)
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!
<3
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Year in Review
As I've been preparing for my juice feast, I find myself reflecting on the things I do differently since going raw. I went raw vegan on Memorial Day 2008. It took me a long time to feel comfortable applying the word 'vegan' to my lifestyle because, in many ways, I was the exact opposite of what I imagined a vegan would be. I am fairly conservative, I have no issues with my husband's desire to hunt, I did not recycle, and generally vote for Republicans. I felt like I was lying to myself using 'vegan' to describe my lifestyle. I felt that some of the things done by the vegan community were 'weird' and resolved never to become that 'hippie'.
Mostly, the lifestyle scared me. If you've even dabbled as a 'raw vegan', you'll know that it's more than just eating foods in their raw, natural state. The idea of purity begins to encompass more than just the food you put into your body. You begin to realize that everything and everyone is connected, and the energy you put out will be the energy that comes in. Suddenly, the casual choices you made yesterday hold a significant weight. It can be pretty overwhelming. I almost quit before I began simply because I could not fathom all the changes I thought necessary to truly be a raw vegan.
Thankfully, I pushed past that anxiety and forged ahead. I wanted to share with you who I am today. It may change tomorrow, it may change in ten years, but I'm not so concerned about that. I love who I am in the moment because that's all I'm supposed to be.
Carrying on! Here are some things that I've learned, some things that I've changed, and some things that are the same since MD '08:
Politics
I am still fairly conservative, but mostly in regards to the government's role in our lives. I am loathe to allow them a say in everything from the way I garden to who I choose to marry. The marriage issue is probably the most polarizing issue for me with a 'typical' conservative. I support gay marriage because, frankly, it's fair. If you do not want to grant the right to marry to all citizens, then take away the incentives of marriage.
I feel that the states should have more rights, and choosing my local representative should bear more weight than the President. I believe we should be responsible for ourselves, from health care to education choices. We would never need a nationalized health care system if people incorporated more raw foods and naturopathic remedies. I believe that our sense of responsibility should extend to the community, and that it does not need to be a federal mandate to help our neighbors.
The "Weird" Things I Do
Oil Pulling - I do this every morning. I'll likely do an article on it later, but let me go over the personal benefits I've found. Last summer, I had my wisdom teeth removed. After the surgery, my teeth were painfully sensitive and I had a dull pain in my lower lip from nerve damage. These symptoms have never gone away. I started oil pulling, which is basically swishing sesame oil in your mouth for 20 minutes and rinsing twice with hydrogen peroxide. I no longer have sensitivity or the dull pain in my lip.
Essential Oils - I use essential oils daily. I put lemon in my water, lavender in my baths, and peppermint on my tongue. Peppermint oil is my salvation from migraines! I also exclusively clean my household with essential oils.
Recycling - I actually recycle now! It is my responsibility to be a good steward of the land I live upon, and recycling is extremely important.
Composting - I built my very own compost pile outside with chicken wire, cardboard, and an old carpet. I am cutting down on my municipal waste as well as creating a rich, beautiful source of nutrients for my garden next year.
Gardening - I expanded my garden this year. I hope to save quite a bit of money this year, as well as broaden my knowledge to one day be able to grow most of my family's food. This year, I planted cucumbers, yellow summer squash, zucchini, 4 types of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and heirloom SEEDED watermelon. I started some of these seeds myself, sprouting them in ocean water dilute.
Meditation - This is key for me. I usually meditate in the bathtub.
Sunshine - I never understood how important sunshine is, and how heavily it affects my mood. I sunbathe for at least 20 minutes a day, and do not use soap on my body (except in my armpits and nethers) while showering to preserve the Vitamin D on my skin.
No more deodorant! - I use a salt stone instead.
I have several HUGE FUN OMG WOOHOO things on the horizon for me, like my juice feast. I love that this lifestyle continuously encourages me to challenge my perspective. I can't wait to share with you next year!
<3,
Sarah
Mostly, the lifestyle scared me. If you've even dabbled as a 'raw vegan', you'll know that it's more than just eating foods in their raw, natural state. The idea of purity begins to encompass more than just the food you put into your body. You begin to realize that everything and everyone is connected, and the energy you put out will be the energy that comes in. Suddenly, the casual choices you made yesterday hold a significant weight. It can be pretty overwhelming. I almost quit before I began simply because I could not fathom all the changes I thought necessary to truly be a raw vegan.
Thankfully, I pushed past that anxiety and forged ahead. I wanted to share with you who I am today. It may change tomorrow, it may change in ten years, but I'm not so concerned about that. I love who I am in the moment because that's all I'm supposed to be.
Carrying on! Here are some things that I've learned, some things that I've changed, and some things that are the same since MD '08:
Politics
I am still fairly conservative, but mostly in regards to the government's role in our lives. I am loathe to allow them a say in everything from the way I garden to who I choose to marry. The marriage issue is probably the most polarizing issue for me with a 'typical' conservative. I support gay marriage because, frankly, it's fair. If you do not want to grant the right to marry to all citizens, then take away the incentives of marriage.
I feel that the states should have more rights, and choosing my local representative should bear more weight than the President. I believe we should be responsible for ourselves, from health care to education choices. We would never need a nationalized health care system if people incorporated more raw foods and naturopathic remedies. I believe that our sense of responsibility should extend to the community, and that it does not need to be a federal mandate to help our neighbors.
The "Weird" Things I Do
Oil Pulling - I do this every morning. I'll likely do an article on it later, but let me go over the personal benefits I've found. Last summer, I had my wisdom teeth removed. After the surgery, my teeth were painfully sensitive and I had a dull pain in my lower lip from nerve damage. These symptoms have never gone away. I started oil pulling, which is basically swishing sesame oil in your mouth for 20 minutes and rinsing twice with hydrogen peroxide. I no longer have sensitivity or the dull pain in my lip.
Essential Oils - I use essential oils daily. I put lemon in my water, lavender in my baths, and peppermint on my tongue. Peppermint oil is my salvation from migraines! I also exclusively clean my household with essential oils.
Recycling - I actually recycle now! It is my responsibility to be a good steward of the land I live upon, and recycling is extremely important.
Composting - I built my very own compost pile outside with chicken wire, cardboard, and an old carpet. I am cutting down on my municipal waste as well as creating a rich, beautiful source of nutrients for my garden next year.
Gardening - I expanded my garden this year. I hope to save quite a bit of money this year, as well as broaden my knowledge to one day be able to grow most of my family's food. This year, I planted cucumbers, yellow summer squash, zucchini, 4 types of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and heirloom SEEDED watermelon. I started some of these seeds myself, sprouting them in ocean water dilute.
Meditation - This is key for me. I usually meditate in the bathtub.
Sunshine - I never understood how important sunshine is, and how heavily it affects my mood. I sunbathe for at least 20 minutes a day, and do not use soap on my body (except in my armpits and nethers) while showering to preserve the Vitamin D on my skin.
No more deodorant! - I use a salt stone instead.
I have several HUGE FUN OMG WOOHOO things on the horizon for me, like my juice feast. I love that this lifestyle continuously encourages me to challenge my perspective. I can't wait to share with you next year!
<3,
Sarah
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